Skip to content
quotesby

About this quote

What does it mean?
Even if someone mistreats you, you must respond rightly; your own conduct cannot be hindered.
In plain terms
Respond correctly regardless of how others act toward you.
What can you take from it?
Your behavior is your own responsibility.

Where it applies

  • conflict resolution
  • personal relationships

Putting it to work

  • maintain personal standards
  • avoid retaliatory actions

Questions to consider

  • How do you stay virtuous under mistreatment?
  • When is self-protection justified?

Another view

Sometimes responding rightly may be impractical in hostile environments.

More from Epictetus

  1. To you, all you have seems small: to me, all I have seems great. Your desire is insatiable, mine is satisfied. See children thrusting their hands into a narrow…

    Permalink to quote #45
  2. Till then these sound opinions have taken firm root in you, and you have gained a measure of strength for your security, I counsel you to be cautious in associ…

    Permalink to quote #47
  3. Canst thou judge men?... then make us imitators of thyself, as Socrates did. Do this, do not do that, else will I cast thee into prison; this is not governing …

    Permalink to quote #44

Related quotes

  1. Self-reverence, self-knowledge, self-control, These three alone lead life to sovereign power. Yet not for power (power of herself Would come uncall'd for) but …

    Alfred (Lord) TennysonAlfred (Lord) Tennyson quote #8
  2. I fully realize that no wealth or position can long endure, unless built upon truth and justice, therefore, I will engage in no transaction which does not bene…

    Napoleon HillNapoleon Hill quote #8
  3. Iustum et tenacem propositi virum non civium ardor prava iubentium, non vultus instantis tyranni mente quatit solida.

    HoraceHorace quote #12